When Is Turbulence In An Airplane Dangerous? | Curious Pilot Explains #1

Is turbulence on an airplane dangerous? This video looks at what causes turbulence and if it is dangerous for the passengers or the aircraft. If you are a nervous flyer or have a fear of flying, it should reassure you that turbulence is not something to worry about. It is uncomfortable but ultimately safe, there are several ways aviation has combatted the negative effects of turbulence, the biggest way is through detection and prevention. Aircraft and airport predictive radar systems keep everything running smoothly for even the most dangerous situations but ultimately even if all the safety measures are bypassed then the Pilots are still armed with the skill and knowledge to keep everyone safe.
Please tell me what you think in the comments below, also if you have any questions, ask away.
Videos featured in this episode:
Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737 is experiencing severe turbulence on approach to Ushuaia Airport in
• Aerolineas Argentinas ...
Bad turbulence on an Etihad flight
• Bad turbulence on an E...
A380 heavy turbulence over the north Atlantic
• A380 heavy turbulence ...
Air Force Reserve C-130 Flies Into The Eye of Hurricane Florence
• Air Force Reserve C-13...
Susto com ATR da Passaredo durante a decolagem no aeroporto de Presidente Prudente .
• Video
Airbus A350 XWB: Ultimate load Wing Test
• Airbus A350 XWB: Ultim...
Air Force Reserve C-130 Flies Into The Eye of Hurricane Florence
• Air Force Reserve C-13...

[@CuriousPilot90]

Please let me know if you have any other areas of aviation that you would like covered. I would really appreciate it if you could like the video and consider subscribing! 😁

[@ghalibmahmudlaskar5980]

Sir I want to ask you a question way back on 13th October 1972 the Aeroplane Of Uraguayan Airforce which crashed in the Andes Mountains was it due to technical defect or human error? If you can answer me this question I will be really grateful to you 🙏

[@ttly8144]

I had a turbulent experience yesterday in SpiceJet india flight,,,I had accepted that I will not survive that flight,,,because it was really violent and the air hostess fell down on the ground and sat down for a few minutes till the shaking stopped…..Tell me something I have been flying for over 20 years now….is it just me or u too have experienced that turbulence incidents have become so common now..every flight I go has a panic inducing turbulent episode…this didn’t happen 10-15 years back …now it’s so common…is it perhaps due to cost cutting by airlines in today’s competitive air transport industry?

[@lukeluca3675]

Very educational and informative! Well done😊

[@steviesteve750]

Would be good to do one on the FMC, so from when you engage LNAV through to auto land etc. Limitations and operating boundaries of auto pilot etc.

[@ianbedwell8795]

​@@ttly8144

[@rexx9496]

As a kid I discovered a way to alleviate the feeling of bad turbulence. Lift your feet off the floor. Don't let the bottoms of your feet touch the floor. I have no idea why this works but I've been doing it my whole life when turbulence gets bad and it makes the feeling of movement and dropping much less. I've told this to other people and they tried it and said it works. Just spreading the word. Edit - might also help to sit upright and not let your back touch the seat. Arms in your lap. Have as little point of contact with the seat as possible other than your rear end and seat belt.

[@westerlywinds5684]

I suffer from extreme nausea when the plane rocks. I cannot snap out of it. I just greatly dislike flying.

[@evelynmarkwart6720]

thank you, i will try it next time

[@rexx9496]

@@westerlywinds5684 take a ginger tablet or find a ginger chew candy.

[@westerlywinds5684]

@@rexx9496 Thanks! I will try out.

[@babrmiscstm8538]

Ha! Dat’s exactly what i am doing and it really works, you just feel it less. As long as your feet are up and the plane is shaking, it just feels like a roller coaster ride. What also helped me is understanding aerodynamics. It sounds dumb, because we all know that a airplane can fly etc. But i just watched 128383 documentaries to FULLY understand how EVERYTHING works. And there are so many reasons to chill and relax. My trust in engineering and physics increased and understanding everything, why there are certain sounds coming frm the plane and why and when the pilots are choosing to fly at a lower level oder higher level etc, it all has a reason. The more you understand, the less you are afraid of something. Just take your time and try it

[@LanceRomanceF4E]

Retired USAF here. Flew fighters for 20+ years. I never understood why commercial pilots do not explain the turbulence risk to the panicky passengers. Just tell them they are not in any danger, the aircraft is not under stress and the bumps are just like steps of air where some steps are bigger than others. I’ve been on flights with people screaming and others quoting the Bible yet not one word from the cockpit. A calm voice saying it’s just bumpy, we are not in danger would have been useful.

[@ginny8601]

Maybe this is their form of entertainment lol

[@husniiskandar5985]

agreed should have this as procedure 👍

[@bluejay4950]

Totally agree! It’s the silence from the cockpit that puts my imagination into overdrive!

[@louisekolind8185]

Totally agree. I'm deadly afraid of flying, though I'm very well aware of the low risk, how the "wind" works, as I'm a control freak. I try to imagine being on our old motor yacht, when the waves, though they were harmless, could 'cause immense tilting, but with no danger what so ever. Just the boat following and reacting to the water. It's the same with planes and air, but my brain just can't. On a flight I just want information. What are we facing, how bad is it. It would mean the world, if I could hear the voice of a calm pilot telling that it might feel bumpy, but the plane is perfectly safe. Don't get it either, only experienced it once - last year on a trip to Sardenia. The pilot said they would try to get another altitude, but only due to comfort, and if they couldn't get permission, he wanted us to know, that it might feel unpleasant, but it was of no significance to safety. Loved that.

[@bryanleeyf87]

Yup, completely agree and very stupid of the pilot or crew not to. The worse part is that for the entire duration of my two hours flight, the pilot just kept the seat belt lights on, people who wanted to piss badly couldn't. There was no indication from the pilot at all how long do we have to sit buckled up, even when the sky was clear for like a few minutes with no turbulence

[@TOPNOTCHIDIOTS]

By the time we hit turbulence I’m too drunk to care.

[@deluxyest5888]

whachu doing here lol

[@markgordon8146]

Were you flying the.plane?

[@BabaYagaGamiing]

😂😂

[@EllIott-tz4rv]

Opto!!!!!!

[@FrenchPaperz]

Alfredo told me u wanna get puched

[@jimmyshearer3394]

I'm a real nervous flyer. I really appreciate the time you took to make this video. Made me feel a lot more comfortable. Cheers

[@CuriousPilot90]

Glad it helped Jimmy

[@Jay37_tech]

Me too, I find noise cancelling headphones help

[@DasGermanBias]

​@@Jay37_tech They really do help

[@chairmanmeow3693]

I was flying (don't remember where) and it was my first time experiencing bad turbulence. The person sitting next to me was a retired airline pilot, and he was as calm as could be just thumbing through the pages of his magazine. It was very reassuring

[@isthi000ify]

🤣🤣🤲

[@vladimirpoutine7522]

Wish I had pilots sitting next to me during my many experiences with turbulence.

[@slimking]

He knew he couldn’t do shit anyways, so why worry

[@sages101]

@@slimking exactly. the safety video is bullshit they should just say tuck your head between your knees and kiss your ass goodbye 🤣

[@rudyj151]

@@slimking EXACTLY 😂

[@steviesteve750]

From a lifetime of flying short and long haul, the best mitigation strategy in my experience to manage turbulence is to get hammered and sleep through it.

[@enel9961]

🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣

[@titofidelis]

That’s my strategy👍🏽

[@lewisburnet6617]

That’s what I do too!

[@Siamesemama1]

Xanax.🤣and sleep thru it all. I hate to fly!

[@Ballaholic17]

Indeed!

[@Marcel19842010]

I think the problem is that most people can't tell if it's turbulence or if there are any technical problems. I think it would help a lot if pilots would report directly from the cockpit during moderate or severe turbulence and say, "hey guys don't panic everything is ok". In my opinion, pilots oder cabin crew should communicate even more to calm people down, because in the back of the cabin people are screaming and praying, saying goodbye to their loved ones and already see themselves with one foot in the grave, while the pilots are probably just afraid they might spill their coffee and continue to leaf through their newspaper 😉

[@ClaimedEagle]

I actually enjoy turbulence, it adds some fun because staying in my seat is boring. I get annoyed when others don't stop screaming or crying. I'm pretty calm and I trust the pilots abilities but I can't get used to nervous people. I know they are built different but fuck stop with the screams

[@jadebijou9508]

Exactly

[@kottipiytk3346]

It's like a government telling its citizens not to panic. This triggers even more panic

[@Eurowefilms421]

Any potential accident the pilots are normally first to go, so, they hurt just as bad as their passengers, food for thought...!

[@RandyBoBandy.]

@@kottipiytk3346I disagree. Nearly all “warnings” from govt are complete lies and you’re probably better off doing the exact opposite of what they say. A pilot is a trained professional who has integrity and skill. Once again the exact polar opposite of any govt “official”.

[@subicstationditosailor4053]

When you see the attendants bring out the drink service I advise you to buckle your seat belt because that is when turbulence starts

[@onlyoneam]

A previous boyfriend slept through the worst turbulence I’ve experienced. I’m literally praying and accepting my fate. We landed safely and he wakes up and says “we landed? That was a quick trip” 🙃

[@workingmom432]

What did he take?

[@penoyer79]

lol you're like "you asshole!"

[@salonijain991]

😂

[@gohan12991]

​@@salonijain991 Hi😊

[@ak2112]

Dudes rock

[@WatPatat]

Seeing the flight attendants smiling through that rough turbulence helps a bit

[@abdulwahidmdtahir3660]

Yes, it helps a bit. But later the Captain announces, "All cabin crews, be seated" (which I had experienced). That is when the situation is getting worse.

[@ellaleppanen2394]

@@abdulwahidmdtahir3660 I think they only announce that so the flight attendants don't fall or get thrown around in the cabin, it doesn't mean that the airplane itself is actually in danger, just that there's more turbulence coming up.

[@jolonabon]

@@abdulwahidmdtahir3660 that announcement is very normal.

[@graciegjj]

They're psychopath's

[@anSealgair]

@@graciegjj hahahaha

[@stickii2131]

Watching this after the tragic event with an elderly man dying after severe turbulence. May he rest in peace!

[@oimelgoimel]

Same here. Now understood at least why u have to use ir seat belt. Most turbulences are not severe but very few can be devastating if no seat belt.

[@theswede5402]

The only reason the plane landed was because people got injured right? Not because the plane was in danger?

[@stickii2131]

@@oimelgoimel I was on a flight, yesterday from Kazakhstan to London, and i noticed that a lot of people were wearing the seats the whole flight even when the seat belt light switched off. Also i was hearing the seat belt clicks when the light switched on immediately. People are now very weary because of that incident.

[@stickii2131]

@@theswede5402 Yes it was indeed because of the injured people and the unfortunate person who passed away.

[@wagmi614]

watching this after the qatar airways turbulence news few hours ago

[@thombran]

For me, no matter how much I rationally understand there's no real danger or mechanical concern, whenever turbulence hits it all goes out the window (no pun intended) and panic sets in. It's to the point I panic about the potential panic. I can't fly anymore without heavy medication and I'm gutted at how I'm avoiding flying more as I get older. I've tried everything but I just can't win over the fear..

[@Actias1974]

I’m right there with you. Same situation.

[@Jemma29]

I find looking at all the departures and arrivals in all the weeks/months before makes it pretty ideal that plane will land safely like all the others.

[@annettegamble9642]

I am much better than I use to be but still cannot cope with flying at all. Anxiety really takes over. I find tho I am better without family around me. I just can't explain why that is. I have to have the isle seat for space and can look out the window at times but not down. I just hate it. But then sometimes I get on them and I have no issue at all. I can control my thoughts but this is very rare.

[@cecileguelin2547]

Je vous comprends...! Pourtant j en ai fait des quantités de vols...et malgré ça...plus je vieillis plus j ai peur...c est incontrôlable et les turbulences ( qui bougent bien..) me paniquent profondément

[@iLilith11]

This!! It's the older I get the more fuçked up I get... 😒 it should have been the other way around 😔

[@benjamenharper]

This video successfully reduced and simultaneously increased my anxiety around this topic.

[@Milo_Kit62]

LOL ME TOO

[@simonashworth8037]

A great video for anyone who is remotely a nervous flier! A coping mechanism I use is to have a bottle of water in the cup holder. In moments of turbulence, I look at how little the water level changes, even though it feels like the movements of the plane are dramatic. The water level changes very little and this is so reassuring

[@Babyboffa2018]

Thank you! I’m going to try this. I hate turbulence, it scares the bejesus out of me 😢

[@Sweetie8387]

That’s a good idea thanks

[@EntryLevelLuxury]

Do you mean like the pitch? Why would the water level change?

[@simonashworth8037]

@@EntryLevelLuxury yes, pitch, or side to side movement

[@nhanks08]

I do the same thing! I always put a bottle of water in my seat back pocket and see how much the water level actually moves. We feel it much more since we don't see the horizon.

[@northbaseuk882]

I've been on over 600 flights in a variety of different aircraft ranging from 182s, 208s and 787s. Watching pilots first hand up close on smaller aircraft dealing with turbulence is very reassuring, the plane moves, they respond to counter it. Every time, it's instinctive. To them it's just an everyday occurrence and they wouldn't be sat where they were if they didn't have the skills to deal with it. It's part and parcel of flying so sit back and enjoy the ride.

[@benh4222]

most of the time the pilots arent flying at cruise everything is on auto.

[@floseatyard8063]

​@@benh4222Guess who manages the "auto"....

[@hugochka]

I travel quite a lot, but turbulence is that one thing I can't get comfortable with. So thanks for easing it a bit with this video!

[@iamthesurest]

23 years ago I was flying from Mexico City to Vancouver in Japan Airlines and we experienced one of those all-of-sudden drop downs, the fall down lasted around 2-3 seconds, then the aircraft recovered altitude with some difficulty in a not very straight position, which made everyone feel extremely nervous. Thanks to that incident, 23 years later I’m still a nervous flyer. I know that was a very rare situation, but can’t forget that horrible feeling. It felt like MGM The Tower of Terror in the skies. God bless all the flights in the world ❤.

[@korylp6219]

Had the same thing happen to me when I was young flying into Hong Kong’s old airport. It was pouring rain and thunder storming and the old airport was so difficult to land in good weather. Luckily I was young enough to just cry my eyes out but everyone on the plane was screaming and terrified. We landed safely but I’ll always remember that turbulence. I’m not a nervous flyer at all, I love flying but Now any turbulence I go through I just laugh in my head thinking it’s nothing haha.

[@nessanickelsen1395]

I experienced that a few days ago. I held my breath I was so scared lol. Is that common

[@owenchief]

While flying from U.K. to Australia with a stop for fuel in Brunei I will always remember 2003 when the staff on board ran around waking people up as there was a sudden electrical/lightning storm over Bangkok where we were flying and that everyone needed tot wake up asap and get buckled in I was already a bit nervous but that was an end of days scenario for me a you could see the lightning forks in the sky below us as the plane rocked like crazy My own nerves are usually settled by the cabin crew in situations where you can experience some and u see they are still chilling so you think nothing of it, but that panic as apparently it had came out of nowhere (not sure if 20 years ago was different to now) and they all immediately started strapping in after waking ppl on board and making sure we were strapped in Most flights I’ve been on since have been great and can’t complain, some mild turbulence here and there but I still remember that vividly

[@Daniel-zd9bo]

I had this on a south Atlantic flight to São Paulo - it took maybe 2 - 3 seconds but it was such severe - one of the 3 MD-11 engines stopped. Since this - I fell always very unwell even in light turbulences

[@khanwm4520]

thats Air pocket phenomenon.

[@sepiusolutions]

I've been through major turbulences over the years and it is scary and my first reaction is always "I hope those wings don't break in half" but for the most I am not too concerned when flying but after knowing wings are tested makes me feel more comfortable flying. Thank you for great video and explanation.

[@CuriousPilot90]

That’s awesome, thanks.

[@Sokman00]

That was my reaction too. The wings looks so frail and weak, but that’s great to know they are strong

[@OrangeCub14]

Against a real freak wind shear, it will cause damage when hit at the wrong angle which would be Extremely rare.... NOTHING IS GUARANTEED AND PILOTS AINT ENGINEERS!! know your place mr. Flyboy

[@Unrulychipmunk]

The wings are tested to 1.5x the maximum load experienced over the lifetime of the aircraft, so it should be impossible to ever snap a wing off an aircraft in flight. An exception is obviously high speed flutter, but a lot has to go wrong before you reach that

[@KG-wh8yv]

Rest assured, something on the order of 25 feet deflection from the tip to fracture a wing in real world tests. So when you look out the window and see those wing tips moving up and down a foot or two, that is EXACTLY what they are supposed to be doing.

[@shaunmcdonald2770]

I’m a veteran who has travelled the world in years past and never had a bit of fear flying. A few years back, a mere 1.5 hour flight back from NC sent me into the worst panic attack of my life. I haven’t been able to get back on a plane since. Videos like this make me feel a little bit better. I know I’ve gotta get back on that horse sooner or later, so I’ll continue to slowly learn and expose myself in ways that I can before flying again. Thanks for this!

[@CuriousPilot90]

I'm glad it helped Shaun.

[@coolstory6193]

What happened?

[@Samiam173]

@@coolstory6193 ..IKR.....

[@tamilynngsu01]

This is so similar to my story. I’ve flown so much in the past with no worries and a 1.5 hour flight to New Orleans scared me so bad! From 2021-2023 I wouldn’t go near a flight. Cancelled flights, Delta e-credits just sitting there. Anyway, I’m glad to say I went to Italy last month, and although I was a bit terrified, all was well. I think I’m back at it. You can do it!!!

[@robertl955]

Thats how it happened for most of us lol, never minded flying, always had smooth flights and never knew anything else. Then a few bad experiences in mexico made me fear flying for good.

[@charlenelynch6505]

I'm here because of yesterday's landing in Montreal at midnight during a cloudy, cold and rainy night. The pilots were nothing but amazing and while the plane shook, pushed you from side to side violently, we hit air pocket after air pocket making out descent speed way up. The pilots pulled back up and they tried it a second time and made past the drops of air and jerking motions. The landing was perfect 🙏 God bless those incredible pilots.

[@sanjamarkovic8146]

I am a very frequent flier, yet I developed flight anxiety after several incidents up in the air. Please keep posting, this is saving lives x

[@danielpenchev4136]

Facts and statistics telling us that flying is the safest mean of transport, but my amigdala is telling me: Don't trust it, there is no safe turbolence, you're better off in a car. That's why I have fear of flying, because the emotions are so much stronger than the reality. I have read 10 books about managing the fear of flying, and attended 3 courses as well, they are helping me a lots, but not constantly, only when I'm on the ground. Once in a plane I don't trust anything, but my amigdala...

[@CuriousPilot90]

It sounds like you are working hard to try to ease the fear. I don’t have a fear of flying (I would be a pretty bad pilot if I did) so I cannot truly comprehend what it is like for you but one thing that reduced any sort of anxiety I did have was going through flying training myself and realising that most ‘emergencies’ are not particularly urgent or dangerous. For the most part it will mean landing sooner at a different destination but there are so many mitigating mechanisms and training that even losing an engine isn’t too much of a problem. All aircraft are designed to work with one engine (if they have two). It changed my mindset from when I was a younger passenger thinking that you were at the mercy of fate once the aircraft took off but in reality every problem has already been thought about and mitigated against.

[@andybaistow9368]

I totally disagree.....been in a car is far far more dangerous. And there is that many idiots on the road, anyone could crash into you.... how many plane crashes are there a day compared to car crashes a day? Flying is by far the best way to travel.....and by far the safest!!!!! Your chances of dying in a plane crash is 1 in 11 million. Your chances of dying in a car crash is 1 in 5000......no need to say anymore, except I'm more frightened of driving than flying.

[@danielpenchev4136]

@@andybaistow9368 That was my point, even though being in a car is so much dangerous I feel safer than in a plane.

[@jthompson4966]

Curious, do you enjoy roller coasters?

[@andybaistow9368]

@CJ P. Really.....I never knew that.

[@TonyBiancoTonyBianco]

Spending time talking with pilots gives you confidence when flying. After I had lengthy conversations about topics like this one or getting struck by lightning, it’s helped me understand the training, the tech, and the measures they have prepared for such encounters. I’ve never had a of fear of flying, but I did find this video fascinating.

[@eats4cheaps305]

The scariest turbulence I've been in was when the plane I was in was circling around Shanghai to make it's approach but every time the pilot tried to pitch the plane, it would drop a hundred feet or so and he would have to climb again to try and make the turn. Finally, he went a few miles out of the way to make the tun over land.

[@Tjudgesgirl]

I’m a frequent flyer but I didn’t know this about turbulence. Thank you for this very informative video. I’m sure it’s put a lot of people, including myself, at ease.

[@CuriousPilot90]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pony0110]

Omg the clip you used for “severe turbulence” is a common joke in my house hold! That guy screaming what is going on lol to the flight attendants will never get old!

[@ekmedia6651]

I found myself in the restroom during a particularly severe bout of turbulence. Fortunately, my strength allowed me to grasp the overhead compartments firmly, using my arms to anchor myself against the violent motions. It was an intense few minutes, battling the turbulence. Upon exiting, I observed that items throughout the cabin had been scattered due to the disturbance. This experience underscored the critical importance of fastening seatbelts during such unpredictable events.

[@TheSlyFox1995]

Being someone who flew after about 16 years, I just returned off my honeymoon last week from St.Lucia. 8 plus hour flight from Gatwick, and I was a nervous wreck on the way back. About 5 times we had to strap down when the warning light came on. Watching this video has really really given me a massive insight though, no wonder the Mrs was literally laughing at me. Really enjoyed your explanation and found it very interesting. Subbed.

[@donald8354]

I always keep my self strap in at all times for that reason. Best wishes.

[@michaelhegarty4319]

I like looking out the window over the wings and seeing that everything is functioning as normal. Also the turbulence doesn’t affect the wings nearly as much as you imagine if you can’t see them. A few drinks help too if you’re a nervous flyer. Knowing planes were built to withstand much more than anyone will every experience is also reassuring.

[@lucktyluke5580]

I am still absolutely terrified of flying and have to fly a bunch. This is SO reassuring. Thank you!

[@CuriousPilot90]

Glad it helped 😁

[@sarahallan5071]

Diazepam is my life saver

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Teddy UFC WWE88 Believe In Allah

[@AZFREEFLY1969]

Brilliant video, thank you. Having worked in aviation for many years I used to have to travel to HKG many times a year…I used to get a few rollercoasters out of there….and it stopped me flying for a while. I don’t worry about it now, but having it explained very calmly by a Royal Air Force pilot is very comforting. Thanks Matt

[@GardeningSpirit]

This was a great video! Fear of flying is awful. I can intellectually understand turbulence but emotionally my body goes into a complete & utter panic. I try deep breathing, telling myslef it's like bumps in a road, and also reminding myself that nothing lasts forever. I do have a Q- why do some pilots NOT explain what is happening? I would think maybe it's because they're trying to fly the plane but it would really help reduce panic on a plane, that can happen quite quickly.

[@marionthompson3365]

Sometimes they do. They are working their arses off getting the plane under control. My worst flight they said nothing...was horrendous.

[@PartanBree]

Because they're concentrating. It's like steering on a rough road, it takes focus. They don't want to distract themselves by making a PA.

[@JustTom9]

We recently experienced some bad turbulence on a flight, first time my son had ever experienced it so understandably he was very scared. I did my best to reassure him but I think he thought I was just being nice. I've just showed him your video and he's now actually excited that he got the chance to try it! Great explanation, thanks!

[@CADbaguette]

This video really helped a lot. Thank you. I went on a flight from canada to thailand and experienced heavy turbulence on my flight to taiwan. Once we flew over southern japan just past hiroshima roughly going west towards taiwan, the turbulance hit. It was cloudy and raining and also lots of islands below us, with hills and mountains. The passengers and flight crew looked nervous and we all kind of yelled at this one slight drop. The plane was in total control, and i was so impressed by how well the pilots handled that intense turbulence. My palms where sweating and my heart was racing! we all clapped when we landed. The explanation about the toughness of the wings really helped me have a better understanding how commercial airlines work.

[@bhbenny184]

I was flying from Texas to NYC and I have a Really Heavy turbulence, for ten Minutes same people was crying 😢, the car with beverages ☕️ everything falls, same bags 🎒 falls, was bad I closed my eyes and started praying 🙏 what else you can do, went you up there,

[@thisisus.504]

absolutely loved this. Through anxiety, although I love flying, sat in that metal tube with little visual feedback, to hear the calm, soothing pilots voice, reassuring its all OK is like the voice of God! Where else in life, when things get bumpy do you hear a voice say...its allllll OK? Love it and have sooooooo much respect for all pilots.

[@WolfGrrl1]

Thanks for mentioning the wing stress test, I had no idea it can bend 5 meters ! It always freaked me out when I saw the wing flapping about like a birds.

[@suzukigsxfa9683]

There is a video on KZbin which shows boeing testing wings to failure and they bend almost 90 degrees before they break. Amazing.

[@duartesimoes508]

Wings flex as much as possible so that the fuselage remains as steady as possible. The wings also act very much as shock absorbers. If the wings were stiff, not only they would inevitably break but the whole aircraft would bounce up and down far more severely.

[@chipsawdust5816]

Think of it as a tree branch. You always see trees waving to and fro in the wind. It takes virtually a tornado or hurricane to break it. And that's often because, well, the tree is rooted in the ground and has no additional flexibility. Something that is quite rigid is far more likely to break under the same stresses.

[@agpmjm]

In a 40 year civilian airline career I experienced `proper` severe turbulence twice, both times associated with winter jet streams and both only briefly. It does command the attention.

[@hadyasaqlain8864]

Thank you, I’ve always been terrified of flying and this video has reduced the anxiety and fear of flying remarkably! Well explained.

[@Huggz87]

Watching things like this and weirdly watching air crash investigation has made me a far less nervous flyer. You start to realise the high level of safety that is Involved in aviation. Understanding your fear really does help you control it

[@graciegjj]

You're all talk

[@kankusho1904]

Thank you so much for explaining this. Just returned from Puerto Vallarta,Mexico to the UK and experienced light/medium turbulence on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. As a very nervous flyer to say the least, you’ve helped me understand a little on the subject. Thank god sick bags are still carried on TUI flights 👍🏻

[@cboy0394]

Funny enough some of the worst turbulence i’ve ever felt was from a direct flight back from Puerto Vallarta to LAX earlier this year. I’m a very experienced frequent flier but I’ve got to say that experience really got me nervous.

[@bryb2644]

Fun fact, there has never been a single fatality on a Dreamliner.

[@ernesttarango4974]

Thanks for this video. It’s extremely comforting to know all he details and features an aircraft has for alerting the pilots of turbulence. Thanks for putting this together. 🙏🏼

[@luisbettini9391]

As a nervous flyer that has flown alot ever since I was a child this is very reassuring. My anxiety on planes is pretty annoying but my life/family arrangement basically consists of me having to do atleast 25 flights a year, last year 2022 I did a totall of 43 flights - you would assume that having been on these many flights consistently since I was an infant would make me lose the nervousness but nope lmao still there - this video helps alot!

[@justanotherabc8888]

Same. Have been flying for 30+ years and my anxiety has been on 100 the last 15.

[@hannahmaei]

im the same. my dad lives in spain and i flew by myself for the first time last year at the age of 16 and i just cried it was awful having no one there

[@nancpanc1]

Same here. My family is in Pennsylvania and I live in Florida and I'm always back and forth not to mention traveling all over and I know it's a necessary evil to get places but I still get nervous!!

[@smithmuh]

Same. And it gets worse with every flight. Super sweaty palms guaranteed lol

[@robertl955]

My gf loves to travel so I also have to consistently put up with flying.

[@stuartpoynter6384]

Great video. I’ve never been bothered by turbulence but experienced wind sheer on a VA flight to LAX. As you mentioned, max thrust and recovered but very scary. Pilot advised after they were warned by another flight but didn’t have time to change course. Apparently the plane went in for engine services after incident due to stress

[@Ro_dini]

THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED!!! I absolutely HATE flying and every dang time I fly out of Colorado there’s ALWAYS turbulence! This video has made me feel a lot better! Definitely will subscribe! Cheers!

[@CuriousPilot90]

Glad it helped Alvaro, thanks.

[@user-rt6qi5fs4w]

I’m a frequent flyer and have dealt with all types of turbulence. Few days ago, we experienced horrible turbulence from Kona to LAX. I honestly thought we were going to crash into the Pacific Ocean. Thanks to the pilots from Hawaiian airlines for making sure we arrived safely and thankful to still be alive❤

[@MarySanford-ou7fc]

Thank you for this video. It helped a lot. I appreciate all of the details you provided and your expertise as a pilot. God bless you for caring about others- the passengers, the crew, and the hardworking pilots. I know i will watch your video again!

[@carlbode666]

turbulence may hurt you ..but it won't hurt the plane ..take comfort in that people 😁

[@jlalbee]

Excellent video. People often fear turbulence because they don't understand it. Videos like this help everyone understand this sometimes scary but extremely common phenomenon.

[@XmotorSports2020]

See what happened with the recent flight SQ321 Singapore Airlines... Passengers have described the terror they felt on board a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore when it hit severe turbulence 37,000 ft in the air. One passenger died, a 73-year-old British man (When the aircraft hit the turbulence 10 hours into the flight, passengers not wearing seatbelts were flung from their seats. Many were in the middle of eating breakfast...)

[@dbetaki8846]

I have one advice for you, from the perspective of a pilot. “Do you see and feel nay bumps on the road while driving? Yes? Ok what makes you think you don’t have the same bumps up there”. It makes me feel much better when I think about it like this

[@aschelocke5287]

Uhmmm first of all, it's air

[@willc5512]

I was in terbulance bad enough when Im on a bad road driving I think , man this is as bad as flying! Especially ruts, humps & dips!

[@andreesandahl300]

Fellow nervous flyer quietly panicking during turbulence here. My sister (pilot) says the air is like water that you can’t see. Often the surface is calm and smooth, sometimes bumpy or choppy. Same thing. I still take my Xanax tho😂

[@tumble_dont_fall]

This is exactly the same analogy I have in mind when flying

[@JuaniPodrido]

I've been on 30+ flights in my life Time,when the turbulence starts i begin to question why do I keep doing this to myself 🤓

[@sangeeta1332]

That’s me 😂

[@pauljnr7]

Me too

[@steviesteve750]

I spent most of my working life having to travel weekly by air. Its inevitable that you're going to be in a big one sooner or later. I've bashed my head on the side 9f the fuselage sat in a window, seat and narrowly avoided head butting my neighbour in one episode. I hate flying, I truly detest it. Even though I'm a materials engineer so know its safe, it's just a horrible physical experience.

[@mjateighty5]

Same 😂😂😂😂😂

[@mahboubmallah]

Me 💁‍♂️

[@renadw8708]

I appreciate you've explained some details about the reasons why turbulance occur. I like flying, but it's the "bit too rocky" feeling for me it's what I dislike and/or feel uncomfortable with. I just want to understand why I shouldn't be (too) worried when flying. Thank you!

[@Sherry78]

Thank you. It's so important to be educated on this! This will help me on future flights for sure x

[@user-dl9fs5rm6y]

Great explanation Gentleman ! Thank you for reassurance ❤

[@richardgreen8919]

A superb lesson,expertly explained.Thank you.

[@thomasduerden5784]

I flew lots when I was growing up and remember not caring at all. Then into adulthood I didn’t fly for 10 years because I just imagined I was unsafe in somebody else’s hands. But recently because I wanted my kids to experience flying maybe before times get too hard to afford a holiday, we flew from UK to Croatia, and both outward and return the turbulence had the plane getting smashed around and people were holding on and anxious but each time you can hear those massive engines kick up and it was all fine in the end.

[@Nattaferg]

I was a former cabin crew and did a flight into FLL one summer evening. Florida is infamous for thunder storms. On approach into FLL, we flew into the tail end of a microburst and somehow by some stroke of luck and skill, the captain was able to abort the landing and recover from it. We dropped 2000 feet in a few seconds according the the captain. That was one of the scariest flights I have done.

[@lisamariebasile2685]

Whoa!! What's a microburst?? And what did the pilot have to do to save the plane? From what exactly?

[@Nattaferg]

@@lisamariebasile2685 A microburst is a sudden downward draft of air. It can be very dangerous to aircraft that fly into it because it will force them down towards the ground and it has caused crashes. They are typically formed during thunderstorms or bad weather. Despite that, they are rare because aircraft have radars that can see areas of unstable weather. The microburst we flew into forced the plane a couple thousand feet downward which is scary since we were on approach to land and already low. The aircraft dropped and immediately I heard the engines scream similar to how it sounds on take off when they are at full power and felt the aircraft climb steadily and re-gain altitude. I was seated on the jumpseat at the back of the aircraft and it was worse back there. Felt initially like we were dropping to glory. We circled for about 15 mins and then got clearance to land at another airport. When we landed to wait out the storm, he called us up to the cockpit and told us what happened. His exact words were "We came close....."

[@alisakeats9574]

That is crazy. Did you ever get on a plane after that?

[@Nattaferg]

@@alisakeats9574 Yes! I was crew so I did continue to fly. 😂

[@mayasagra6503]

Fly attendants are very brave and i admire you all, my boyfriend was a cabin crew for British Airways for 25 years now retired, when ever i travel with him He gives me confort but i am still nervous 😢 this video has helped me though thank you ❤

[@keepitbluezola]

Great video. I’m a frequent business flyer and often experience turbulence, and I’ve always looked at the cabin crew to see if they looked concerned, if it’s severe. One flight back to Heathrow we were around the approach close to the Thames estuary where the plane unexpectedly violently dropped and we were shaken around like rag dolls for a few seconds. The cabin crew behind me used a fair amount of expletives, and I suddenly needed to visit the toilet…!! I guess this could of been wind shere..?!

[@keiths2902]

Was on a trans-pacific flight where the pilot AND crew were nervous. The turbulence lasted for hours. I think we flew through a typhoon actually

[@RockyRoadCreationsbyDiana]

Me too. I watched the flight attendant on a particularly turbulent flight to Denver. She was fine, not worried at all, so I wasn't either.

[@jhannahwickstrom2807]

I’m currently in the middle of a LATE night aviation rabbit hole. I’ve always wanted to go to Zakynthos and I was reminded of this from a TikTok, then I felt my heart break because I am too afraid to fly. This summer I was flying Calgary to Vancouver and experienced moderate-severe turbulence that lasted our whole approach. My sister was laughing at me yet I nearly soiled my pants. I hope I can get over this

[@mdalk000]

Thank you so much for this! I am a nervous flier. I don’t let that stop me from traveling, but I am on edge. This makes me feel more reassured.

[@CuriousPilot90]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xploration1437]

Why? You’re not going to die. You have a better chance of dying on the way to the airport.

[@Babyboffa2018]

I know how you feel. I’m the same 😢

[@oueouetous]

Great video. Many thanks and happy flying.

[@RilanadeHaas]

I love the way you explain these things! Thank you so much ^^

[@tomsaladfingers]

I experienced wind sheer on one of my first ever flights when circling and coming into land from China to Germany and thought it was just a bit of fun as it was all new to me. Looking back I’d be terrified of that now, everyone lifted off there seats from the plane dropping and you could feel the wings flex as it gained lift again.

[@vishalvins]

😄 Happy birthday

[@andyonajourney3683]

Flying is my life’s joy. Turbulence will always give me a heart attack. I know pilots know what to do in these circumstances, but fear makes you think irrationally. For example, when I experience turbulence I believe the pilot take their hands off the yoke for a second, playing around. 😅 Then I immediately look out the window to see why it’s happening. 🤦🏾‍♂️ Thank you so much for this video. Truly explains a lot!

[@andreaskalpinis4797]

Yep fear is destroyer of humans especially the weak minded

[@elizabethsyberg-schmitt3332]

This was so informative, so well explained and conveyed, Thank you so VERY much! ❤

[@jj-gi4qt]

Many years ago at the age of 7, I went to Puerto Rico with my Dad. It was my first flight ever so naturally I was afraid, even making my dad get on and off the plane twice. Finally the doors were locked and I had no choice but to go. It was an 11pm flight and about into the flight, the plane violently and suddenly hit severe turbulence. The cabin was dark, people were praying, screaming and I was terrified to say the least . Our vacation was for a month and when it was time to come back, I was so tramitized that I didn't want to get back on a plane. Till this day,I will drive cross country rather than fly. Psychologically scarred for life.

[@pamelafraser4434]

Totally relate to the fear of having to get back on another flight to come home. I almost didn't come home because I couldn't make myself get on. Was in tears

[@stuarth5536]

Excellent video, thank you for your simple but informative explanation of the different types of turbulence and how it impacts the aircraft.

[@elvissam100]

Thank you for explaining in detail about turbulence, I seen another pilot describe turbulence as speed bumps of the air, with a few potholes now and then

[@briankorner750]

Thank you for the good info. Always wondered about this.

[@thebiffer100]

I'm retired airline pilot. There are several classifications of turb we advise ATC when asked, example light chop, light turbulence, medium chop, moderate chop/turn etc. If we actually encounter severe turb (such as CAT) which is quite rare we are careful of our assessment . A few boxes actually have to be checked regarding its severity before reporting it. Post flight it also means the aircraft would have to undergo a scheduled turbulence maintenance check which depending on where we are (away from home base) means taking the plane out of service. A phenomenon I would like to ad from my point of view whenever I encountered such turbulence I could actually HEAR it! It is a very low frequency rumble measured in cycles like you may experience in your car travelling at high speed with one or more windows partially open, also a pressure sensation. Again just my two cents worth.

[@David_P132]

Interesting.

[@BlowmeRoger]

Can turbulence ever really cause a loss of control?

[@EveryGirlEveryWhere]

Fabulously informative

[@msj28806]

I appreciate it when pilots know there will be turbulence before flight and let us know. And when they don’t know and it happens let us know then too.

[@SB-ll1tt]

Just flew today and I’m still shaking after landing. I fly A LOT but I have never ever had a landing like this. The plane was being pushed from side to side as we approached then as we got low the plane couldn’t fly straight. It was almost waving - one side night then the other. The engine was very loud and we seem to be going fast then slow then fast again. We came in landing on one wheel (it was a propeller plane) and our side hit the ground first. I seriously thought the wing was going to hit the ground and the propeller come straight through us. The other side then came down but we were skidding sideways down the runway left to right swaying. Horrifying. Eventually stopped. Bad weather, raining and bad winds. Ooof! Happy to be alive and what a pilot! Wish I could have thanked him but we had to disembark.

[@marionthompson3365]

Happens sometimes but it's bloody scary. Had one not long ago coming into Brisbane. Similar to your experience and the screech of the brakes and swerving on touchdown before straitening had me nervy for several days.

[@nicu39chereji]

No worries, be thankful to God that all passengers were safe . Pilots are amazing people.

[@vogahl34]

Awesome, thanks for this, excellent presentation of information. I’m subscribing

[@rave1283]

Excelente explicación 👍 soy un poco aerofóbico y este tipo de videos me ayudan a superarlo

[@yeesusofsuburbia]

i have just had my first experience with turbulence 3 days ago on a flight from switzerland to romania objectively it was light, but since i have never had that happen before i felt very queasy (especially as the plane was rocking like a boat swaying and the turbulence lasting for the entire flight). one thing that i found a bit grounding (haha) was observing the flight attendants who were simply joking with each other and seeming genuinely calm

[@Cinemachoicefilms]

Thanks for this video, these videos makes me more secure with the idea of flying. I really appreciate pilots who speaks about these factors

[@sandro-nigris]

Great video, very informative. Thanks!

[@maxtornogood]

You had a close call but the pilot training kicked right in for ya!

[@CuriousPilot90]

It wasn’t comfortable getting a stall warner so close to the ground but still plenty of height to recover 👌🏼 it was very interesting to see how instantaneous it can be.

[@metalhead9656]

I close my eye and pretend I'm flying the plane keeps me calm and gets me through it everytime 🤣

[@StephHerd]

I’m a terribly nervous passenger. My dad flew twin jets back in the day and my husband worked for Etihad Airways (not on the aircrafts), the two of them always say I’m being ridiculous for getting myself into such a state when there is turbulence, but it petrifies me. Your video made me feel a little better, thank you. I might try listening to it next time I fly. It will be a welcomed replacement to my dad reassuring me of every noise and action. When I used to fly with him, he would predict the pilots next move ie ‘they will descend or ascend now’ and it would be a huge help 🙌🏼

[@1st17]

Absolutely brilliant explanation...... Great video thanks

[@mettekesdg1538]

I once experienced a windshear when flying into Jakarta. When you feel it, you will know the difference between turbulence and a windshear. For me the aircraft was still high enough that it was not that dangerous, and it was not required to go around. Still scary though, feels like the aircraft receives a sudden violent push down. Like dropping down on a roller coaster.

[@danarushton3417]

Thank you for your explanation. I'm 76 years old and have done a lot of flying all over the world. The seat belt sign comes on and I'm ready for a new pair of underpants. I have had many turbulent flights and I always almost kiss the ground when I land. Maybe after your explanation of turbulence I can relax a bit. I'm flying from Melbourne to Las Vegas in May. A long way and I know it won't be smooth all the way. I always keep my seat belt fastened. Once again, thank you.

[@marionthompson3365]

See your doctor for sleeping pills. It's a long flight and will help alot. Make sure to get a letter as well as US customs will need evidence. Some drugs are a no no into the US.

[@tamilynngsu01]

Very reassuring. Thank you!

[@user-zh2nh9qw8r]

Brilliant video. Thanks for some great insights

[@alinahMQuantum]

I get you Mr Pilot. Now I know, it's not the turbulence that I should be concerned about..it's my own anxiety that I should manage when it happens. Thank you for your in-depth explanation about turbulence. 😍

[@alexandrospoursanidis9378]

I always found it fascinating that people just casually sleep or walk towards the bathroom while in turbulence. I can never do it for some strange reason. I am more paranoid if anything when it comes to flying. When i was a child, we were heading to Athens Greece, and my uncle changed the tickets the day before, and we went to Thessaloniki instead. We still flew the same day as the original ticket, i was in a different line. The flight to Athens never made it (Helios 2005), and we were flying at the same time basically. So it is kinda haunting me. Anyway, maybe its just gonna be like that all my remaining life. I admire you pilots so much! Keep it up!!

[@dannyhammonds2852]

Is that not the flight where they all passed out ?

[@blakesboxing6926]

As a nervous flyer this has helped me a little bit, thanks 😊

[@theflyingadventures]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge 😊

[@husnulakhlaq]

Very well explained, thank you so much for this video.

[@CuriousPilot90]

Thanks Andy.

[@potatie_huh]

Could you please do a video on the noises during take off? As a very nervous flyer I find take off the complete worst part of flying, so many noises, bumps and pings to worry about 😥

[@CuriousPilot90]

Coming soon :D

[@ronaldanane5451]

😂 it’s so scary…

[@EntryLevelLuxury]

90% of what you hear on take off is luggage shifting around, and the luggage compartments wiggling about. The loud whirring noise you hear prior to throttle is the flaps extending to provide extra lift. Try to get a window seat over the wing and watch it all happen. Once you know what everything is, it's fun to listen to it all happen.

[@aftermathmotomxrc]

I love Take-offs and Landings. 😁

[@Getemson]

Take offs the best part lmao

[@aaronspeck1644]

Fantastic video, thank you for the information and insights!

[@elianacapiotto_ingles]

Thank you! I'm a very nervous flyer, and knowing about that is very reassuring.

[@VeryMerryLou]

Thanks for this very re-assuring video. Flying across the Pacific for 14 hours is not fun at all! I guess it also helps that I pray a lot 😊that it makes me doze off without even trying so I cannot feel some turbulence.

[@threeqs2424]

Nice video. I am not a good flier (ie a terrible flier) but there is so much wonder in breaking through dull clouds into sun shine, endless sunsets to Japan, and the beauty of the world from our little windows. And then there is arriving in a new destination to be explore and often the joy of arriving back home. Thank you for the video.

[@kanchikc2050]

Thanks for the explanations.

[@positiverecoverywithcorinn5071]

Thank you 🙏 Looking forward to watching more of you info vids to help me!